The Albert Lea Art Center will present storytelling legends Bev and Mike Cotter at its second lecture series event from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The Cotters are nationally renowned for their stories about life in the American heartland, and Mike Cotter is the winner of the 2009 Oracle Award for excellence in storytelling.

The lecture series is a new initiative for the Albert Lea Art Center featuring local and visiting artists to include painters, woodworkers, musicians, poets, potters, storytellers, jewelry artists, sculptors and more.

More information on the lecture series and other upcoming events may be found at www.thealbertleaartcenter.org. The Albert Lea Art Center is located at 224 South Broadway in Albert Lea. Art center hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Art shop and gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.